President Ruto opens US$35M AGC Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre in Bomet

KENYA—President William Ruto has opened the Sh4.5 billion (US$34.9 million) AGC Tenwek Cardiothoracic Centre in Silibwet, Bomet County, which will provide specialised heart and lung care in Kenya and the surrounding region.

Tenwek Hospital has been a trailblazer in open heart surgeries, having performed 2,000 cases since 2008.

This cutting-edge centre is projected to expand access to world-class cardiothoracic services while also enhancing Tenwek Hospital’s capacity to perform open-heart procedures from the existing 300 per year to at least 3,000.

The newly launched Cardiothoracic Centre is equipped to offer comprehensive treatments for complex heart and lung conditions, including life-saving procedures such as open-heart surgeries, valve repairs, coronary artery bypass grafting, and advanced pulmonary interventions.

 This development follows Tenwek Mission Hospital’s recent unveiling of a Sh130 million accident and emergency centre, which further solidified the hospital’s position as a leading healthcare provider in the region.

The Cardiothoracic Centre, named the Billy Graham Memorial Cardiothoracic Centre, was funded and equipped by U.S. donors in honor of the late American evangelist.

The facility boasts a 176-bed capacity, six cardiothoracic theatres, a 32-bed post-anesthesia care unit, and specialized diagnostic equipment, including CT and X-ray machines.

According to the AGC Tenwek Hospital Acting CEO Benjamin Siele, the wing will also house 52 intensive care units, six major operating tables, five endoscopy rooms, catheterisation suites, examination rooms, a blood bank, a pharmacy, a laboratory and an outpatient clinic.

Speaking during the launch, President Ruto praised Tenwek Hospital for its consistent contribution to healthcare in Kenya and its role in advancing Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) since it was founded in 1937 by the World Gospel Mission.

He further expressed optimism that the cardiothoracic centre would significantly enhance Kenya’s capacity to manage cardiovascular diseases, reducing the need for Kenyans to seek expensive treatment abroad.

“This facility points to our development partners’ confidence in Kenya in general and Kenya’s healthcare system in particular, “He emphasised.

He also pointed out that 25% of hospital admissions in Kenya are due to cardiovascular diseases, which puts immense pressure on the country’s health infrastructure and has profound economic implications.

Furthermore, he highlighted that the opening of this facility demonstrates the trust that international development partners have in Kenya’s healthcare system and its potential for innovative healthcare solutions, including the use of AI to reach patients in remote areas

Health Cabinet Secretary Dr Debra Barasa echoed these sentiments, stating that the centre’s completion highlights the investment opportunities in Kenya’s healthcare sector and the country’s growing capacity to provide specialised care.

 She acknowledged the role of Tenwek’s international supporters, noting that this project sends a powerful message to investors about the potential for partnerships in Kenya’s health sector.

For his part, Mr Siele highlighted the facility’s broader impact on medical tourism, which is expected to thrive due to the new centre.

“The impact of this CTC extends beyond healthcare. Apart from medical tourism, it will create jobs for over 300 Kenyans, and indirectly create employment for residents in this region, “Mr Siele elaborated.

In addition to creating employment, the Cardiothoracic Centre will serve as a training hub for local healthcare professionals, enhancing their ability to manage heart disease.

Meanwhile, Dr Russ White, the Centre’s director, pointed out that the facility will address critical healthcare challenges, including oesophagal cancer, rheumatic heart disease, and congenital heart disease, benefiting Kenya and the entire continent. 

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